As a Project Manager for the People and Nature, and Communications Programs of The Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), Ksenija Putilin has experience analyzing the capacity of local communities for nature conservation. Upon returning to Macedonia, Ksenija plans to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of citizens in her hometown by ensuring their involvement with nature conservation through increased awareness of urban biodiversity and creation of urban conservation groups. Ksenija will be place with the US Forest Service in Los Angeles, California supporting activities on National Forest Systems lands, including writing or participating in the National Environmental Policy Act.